Inner Cover Blues

rufus · September 18, 2011, 12:00:44 AM

Why does my inner cover always stick to my top cover? As a first year beek I have two hives and on one particular hive I have noticed that when I remove the top cover the inner cover is glued onto it nearly every time I check on my bees. Why is this and what can I do about it?

BlevinsBees · September 18, 2011, 12:17:16 AM

Do you make your own inner covers and if so, what's the thickness of your outer rim? If your outer rim or "frame" of your inner cover is too thick, it will gibe the bees the space they need to glue it down with comb.

rufus · September 18, 2011, 12:32:20 AM

Quote from: BlevinsBees on September 18, 2011, 12:17:16 AM
Do you make your own inner covers and if so, what's the thickness of your outer rim? If your outer rim or "frame" of your inner cover is too thick, it will gibe the bees the space they need to glue it down with comb.

I bought my first two hive bodies - supers from the County Bee Inspector. What thickness should I see? There is no comb there and is dark so I have to guess Proplis? What can I do if it's just sticky......powdered sugar????????

BlevinsBees · September 18, 2011, 03:51:34 AM

If it's not sealed with comb then your spacing is OK. Try blue painters tape. That should help.

iddee · September 18, 2011, 07:16:29 AM

It should be 3/8 inch. Much more equals burr comb, much less equals propolis.

larry tate · September 18, 2011, 08:07:01 AM

Leave it off

T Beek · September 18, 2011, 09:29:00 AM

I had this issue w/ one of my Lang hives several years ago. Turns out the inner cover was a bit oversized for the cover I was using so it was sticking, especially when damp. I just sanded all sides a little and the problem was solved.

With telescoping covers a well fitted inner cover is most desirable. W/out one, removing the telescoping cover will become nearly impossible over time.

thomas

VolunteerK9 · September 18, 2011, 10:42:12 AM

Quote from: larry tate on September 18, 2011, 08:07:01 AM
Leave it off

And use migratory covers

Hemlock · September 18, 2011, 12:03:20 PM

Sounds like your bees are good propolising.

I have found that rubbing a block of canning wax (paraffin) on all contact surfaces will lessen the amount of propolis the bees add to it. So add some to the top of the Inner Cover. Then add some to the corresponding area of the Telescoping Cover. You don't need heat. Just rub it on like a crayon. I use it on all the brood boxes, slatted racks, bottom boards, & supers and it makes a big difference.

Kathyp · September 18, 2011, 12:21:12 PM

this is something that the bees do, especially in fall. it is a normal part of their sealing the hive before winter. it is a pain for us, but a desirable thing for them to do. it is one of the reasons you want to be done and out of the hives soon. let them close things up and they will be healthier.

a good hive tool is your best friend...or a nice sharp knife

T Beek · September 18, 2011, 12:32:58 PM

Unless I'm feeding I'll restrict the area above inner cover (in my case a vent/feed box) w/ a piece of screen. Bees can still feed through the screen when consuming syrup. Only during winter is the screen completely removed, to allow for access to dry sugar 'if' needed.

thomas

Michael Bach · September 19, 2011, 09:12:43 PM

I have a few hives that propolis the outer cover to the inner cover all the time. A pry with the hive tool is all that is needed.

If you wanted to you could place some newspaper strips on the top edge of the inner cover and that would help.

I would shy away from the advise of using migratory covers especially in northern winters. Air space above the inner cover and upper entrances are a must for northern hives in my opinion.

S.M.N.Bee · September 19, 2011, 09:54:16 PM

Be carfull to put your inner cover back on the same way. The bees propolis the bottom edge and if you flip it when you reinstall it the sticky side will be up.

John

Kathyp · September 19, 2011, 10:20:40 PM

i use an inner cover and migratory cover. air space is one reason and i find less moisture blows in the sides. + i don't get the lid stuck...although the inner cover gets glued down, which is a good thing.

rufus · September 20, 2011, 01:08:58 AM

Quote from: Hemlock on September 18, 2011, 12:03:20 PM
Sounds like your bees are good propolising.

I have found that rubbing a block of canning wax (paraffin) on all contact surfaces will lessen the amount of propolis the bees add to it. So add some to the top of the Inner Cover. Then add some to the corresponding area of the Telescoping Cover. You don't need heat. Just rub it on like a crayon. I use it on all the brood boxes, slatted racks, bottom boards, & supers and it makes a big difference.

Thanks, I'll give that a try.